Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had a very busy 2023 NFL Draft. Gutekunst made 13 picks in this year’s NFL Draft. This was the most picks Gutekunst has made in one draft since taking over as the Packers general manager. His previous highs were in 2018 (11) and 2022 (11). But the draft was not the only way that Gutekunst and the Packers added talent. The Packers also signed 14 undrafted free agents once the draft concluded. Today, we highlight three Green Bay Packers undrafted free agents who have a chance to make this year’s Packers roster.
Three Green Bay Packers Undrafted Free Agents to Watch
Under former general manager Ted Thompson, Green Bay Packers undrafted free agents were key contributors to his method of building the Packers roster. While most teams used pre-draft visits to evaluate draft prospects, Thompson used those visits as a recruiting tool to sign possible undrafted free agents.
Thompson brought in a lot of contributors via undrafted free agency under his watch. Players such as John Kuhn, Ryan Longwell, Tramon Williams, Cullen Jenkins, and Sam Shields were all former undrafted free agents. All played a part in the Packers success.
But since taking over for Thompson, Gutekunst has not put the same type of emphasis that Thompson once did on the UDFA market. Instead, Gutekunst has put more value on the players he has drafted than the Packers Undrafted Free Agents. That was the case last season for seventh-round pick Jonathan Ford. Several undrafted free-agent defensive linemen outplayed Ford in preseason action. But instead of keeping the undrafted free agents, Gutekunst chose to stay with Ford.
Knowing that it will be difficult for any of this year’s Green Bay Packers undrafted free agents to make the opening game roster. But there are three players that have a chance. With the lack of depth at certain positions, these three players have an outside chance to make the Packers 53 man roster.
Brenton Cox, EDGE Pass Rusher
The Packers selected edge pass rusher Lukas Van Ness with their first pick in this year’s NFL Draft. There is little doubt that he will see quite a bit of playing time in his rookie season. But with Rashan Gary still recovering from a 2022 season-ending injury, there is a need for depth at the position.
With Gary out, the Packers outside linebacker/edge pass rusher group consists of Van Ness, Preston Smith, Kingsley Enagbare, and Justin Hollins. Former seventh-round pick Jonathan Garvin is currently on the roster, but it’s doubtful that he will make the Packers roster.
Gary is not expected to return until mid-season (at the earliest). Until he returns, there is a possible opening behind Van Ness, Smith, Enagbare, and Hollins (if the Packers carry five outside linebackers). That opens up a possible spot for Brenton Cox.
Cox was a top 20 recruit out of high school. He originally signed with Georgia, but only lasted one season with the Bulldogs. Cox was dismissed after being arrested on marijuana charges. He landed in Florida and spent three seasons with the Gators. During his time there, he posted 32.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. But his Gators career ended the same way his Bulldogs career did. He was dismissed midway through the 2022 season.
Cox brings with him a lot of off-the-field baggage. But he also brings with him a plethora of talent. He has the prototypical size of an NFL pass rusher, 6’4″ and 250 pounds. Not only is he a very good pass rusher, but he is just as good against the run. If Cox can get his personal life in order, he is the top 2023 Green Bay Packers undrafted free agent.
Benny Sapp III, Safety
When it comes to an undrafted free agent making an NFL roster, a lot has to do with the depth that an undrafted free agent plays. Right now, the Packers depth at safety, at best, is questionable.
Darnell Savage and Rudy Ford are expected to be the starting safeties for the Packers opening game. Savage was benched last season and replaced by Ford because of poor play. If not for Gutekust picking up his fifth-year option last spring, it is doubtful that he would even be on the current roster. The fact that he is an expected starter shows how weak the safety spot is for the Packers. Ford did well when he replaced Savage, but his best spot is on the Packers special teams.
Rounding out the group is Dallin Leavitt, Innis Gaines, free agent signee Tavarius Moore, and 2023 draft pick Anthony Johnson Jr. Leavitt is strictly a special teams player, so he seems a cinch to make the roster. With Johnson being a recent draft choice, his roster spot seems pretty secure as well.
For Benny Sapp III to make the roster, he would need the Packers to carry five safeties on their 53-man roster and he would have to beat out Gaines and Moore. It’s a long shot, but Sapp III has the talent to do so.
The son of a former NFL defensive back, Sapp III split time between Minnesota and Northern Iowa. Injuries derailed his career with the Gophers. But he found a home in Northern Iowa. This past season he earned third team All American honors playing safety for Northern Iowa. If he shows that he can contribute on special teams, he could be a dark horse to make the Packers 53 man roster.
Camren McDonald, Tight End
Brian Gutekunst deserves applause for spending second and third-round picks on tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. Not only are Musgrave and Kraft top tight end prospects, but they play a position that was in dire need of talent.
Musgrave and Kraft join Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis to fill out the tight end spot. But in reality, they just join Deguara. It’s a mystery why Davis is still on this roster. Not only is he a suspect blocker, but he also has hands of stone. If the Packers carry four tight ends, that fourth tight end should not be Davis.
Marcedes Lewis was not only the Packers best blocker but it can be argued, he was the best blocking tight end in the NFL. It is doubtful that he will be re-signed. That leaves a spot for a tight end that can block. Camren McDonald might be able to fill that spot.
At Florida State, McDonald was not known for his receiving prowess. In five seasons for Florida State, he caught just 74 passes. However, with Florida State running a run-dominated offense, he was a vital piece in the blocking game. Along with his blocking ability, he was a key member of Florida State’s special teams. McDonald is a grinder; he is not going to make flashy plays. But his desire to do the dirty work could be his path to make the Packers 53-man roster.
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